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This was followed by class size which ranked second at 13 per cent and then the management of the board of trustees at 11 per cent. Just 8 per cent felt the school facilities or the funding a school received was the most important aspect in education outcomes.

The emphasis on quality of teaching in the new research reflects the results of a landmark study by educationalist Professor John Hattie.

Hattie's report found excellence in teaching is the single most important influence on achievement and demonstrated the need to identify and encourage excellence in teachers.